Ward 6 Weekly Update 5/26/2023

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May 26, 2023

Safe Gun Storage 

Moms Demand Action group after the passage of Safe Gun Storage


Thank you to Moms Demand Action for their advocacy and organizing to push for ORD 23-22 (amendment to Chapter 225 of the Legislative Code related to weapons) which was approved unanimously by St Paul City Council this week!

This ordinance amends St Paul Legislative Code to reinforce responsible gun ownership practices through safe gun storage, securing ammunition and including gun lock devices which can reduce and prevent the tragedies associated with the discharge of firearms left unsecured.

The Council supports gun safety requirements as an effort to save lives from multiple sources of  violent firearms discharge, unintentional shootings, crime-related gun violence (facilitated by stolen guns), suicide and other mass shootings.

Please read the full Safe Storage Ordinance here for more information


Summit Regional Trail Plan

Summit Regional Trail Plan


This week, the Summit Regional Trail plan came before City Council and was approved. Additional input and engagement will take place, and funding for the project will need to be secured before the road reconstruction can be implemented. 

I want to share great thanks to Director Kershaw and Director Rodriguez for their leadership on the Summit Avenue Regional Plan, and to all the staff members in Public Works, Parks, and Planning and Economic Development who were part of the planning and engagement that went into this plan during the past 18 months. 

I appreciate how intentional the planning process has been, not only in engaging community, but also in implementing community feedback into a regional trail plan that aligns with the City’s comprehensive plan, as well as the Climate Action Resiliency Plan and Pedestrian Plan. 

I believe improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities across our city, especially on streets, will not only increase the overall safety for all residents, but also will open pathways for marginalized communities into parts of the city that have historically felt closed off due to wealth disparities. 

We owe it to schoolkids, working people, and more communities who rely on a multitude of transportation options to get around our city, to not just provide safe transportation options and conditions, but to also create access to clean air, less traffic, and robust outdoor opportunities that improve the overall health and equity of all neighborhoods. 

As the people quite literally designing the future, this plan has the potential to set a larger precedent for future design and construction efforts that reflect a more diverse, accurate representation of the many people and cultures of St. Paul. 

I look forward to this continued work and certainly hope, too, that this is the start to many of the much-needed updates to public facilities across St. Paul, and especially on the East Side, so that we can truly make St. Paul safe and accessible for all residents. 


Congratulations to STAR Grant Recipients

Ward 6 STAR funding


Congratulations to the most recent recipients of Ward 6 Year Round STAR Funding: Checker Board Pizza, Far East Bar and Restaurant, Family Foods Market LLC, and Hillcrest Knoll Disc Golf Course

If you run a business or non-profit in St Paul Ward 6 and are you needing to make a permanent improvement (lasting 7+ years) to your building, reach out to our office as you may be eligible for Ward 6 Year-Round STAR Funding!

Please email our office with information on your project to receive an application. Read full STAR eligibility guidelines here. Applications are subject to approval from the Saint Paul STAR Board and Saint Paul City Council.  


ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program

ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program


Attention Ward 6 Businesses! Are you looking to refresh the appearance of your storefront this summer? Check out East Side Neighborhood Development Company’s Friendly Storefronts Program - Grant funding is available for façade improvement projects on a first come basis. See the flyer for general program guidelines, and send all inquiries to jmcgregor@esndc.org to start the application process!


Youth Programs for the Summer 

Paddle Share group photo of kayakers going down Mississippi River


Choose from a variety of fun summer programming options for youth through Saint Paul Parks & Recreation. Register today as some camps and activities have limited spots remaining. 

Summer camps and activities: Full and half-day camps for youth of all ages. Costs range from free up to $275.

Summer Rec Check: Free program for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Thursday from 1-4pm at 23 sites. 

Summer S'more Fun: $42/day for those entering grades 1-6 this fall on Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm at 3 sites. Limited spots available.

Recreation in MotionRecreation in Motion brings outdoor summer fun to your neighborhood! A free youth program offering athletic programs, arts and crafts, and other organized activities. No pre-registration is required. 


YMCA Lifeguard Pre-Skills Training

YMCA training


The Midway YMCA is offering a FREE training class for young adults interested in learning skills to become a certified lifeguard. The class will teach correct techniques to swim 300 yards and basic rescue skills. After completing the class, students can take their Red Cross Life Saving class to become part of the YMCA team as a certified lifeguard!

Register at the Midway Y front desk. Training starts June 13th!

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet virtual appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


One-Time Refund for Tax Year 2021

tax refund


After a tax law update via legislation, signed May 24, 2023, the Minnesota Department of Revenue will send direct tax rebate payments for tax year 2021 to eligible Minnesotans

  • $520 for married couples filing a joint return with adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less 
  • $260 for all other individuals with adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less 
  • Another $260 for each dependent claimed on your return, up to three dependents

You do not have to apply for this payment. 2021 income tax or property tax refund returns will be used to determine who is eligible and issue payments. Payments are expected to be issues this fall.


Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2023

Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2023 Event


Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2023 is a festival that aims to recognize the thousands of refugees living in our state and celebrate the diversity of cultures and experiences that they bring to our community.

Join in on June 11 at Centennial Park (6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN) from 12 pm – 5 pm


Saint Paul Children's Collaborative Grant

Saint Paul Children's Collaborative


The Saint Paul Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative (SPCC) grant period is now open! 

This year, SPCC will provide approximately $2.2 million as an award to community organizations that provide services to children or youth experiencing gaps in opportunities and outcomes. Eligible applicants include organizations with fiscal sponsors and nonprofit organizations that meet the criteria of connecting children to caring adults and any additional goals above. Applications are due on Friday, July 14, 2023 before 5PM.

Please use this link to access the RFP: Grant-Making – Saint Paul Children's Collaborative (saintpaulkids.org)


Work for St Paul Parks & Recreation

job posting for Parks & Rec


Work outdoors this summer for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation! Full and part time positions are available at parks, rec centers, pools, golf courses, athletic complexes, Phalen Park Beach, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and more. Entry level positions are available for ages 15 and up. Apply for a Parks & Recreation job online today!


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens

Property tax deferral


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens through the State of MN may allow you to defer a portion of the property taxes you owe. Visit the link above or call 651-556-6091.


COVID Testing and Treatment Resources

Test to Treat


Find test-to-treat locations  where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Self-testing 

What to do if you are Sick or Test Positive: COVID-19

Close Contact or Exposure to COVID-19